Helpful Giving Tools

When making a stock gift or directing a qualified charitable distribution to WELS and/or WELS-affiliated ministries, please contact WELS Foundation at 800-752-8940 or [email protected] to ensure your gift is processed promptly.

Explore resources designed to help you support the ministries you care about in tax-wise and meaningful ways.

For assistance with any of the giving tools on this page, contact:
📞WELS Foundation: 800-752-8940 | 📧 [email protected]
📞 Christian Giving Counselors: 800-827-5482 | 📧 [email protected]
You may also reach out to your mission advancement representative.

📄LETTERS OF INSTRUCTION

Letters of instruction make it simple to support the ministries of your choice while retaining flexibility.

You:
• List WELS Foundation as your charitable beneficiary (on a will, trust, insurance policy, or retirement plan).
• Can revise your letter of instruction at any time—free of charge—with help from your WELS Christian giving counselor or mission advancement representative.

WELS Foundation:
• Distributes the proceeds to the WELS ministry or ministries of you specify.

📈 STOCK GIFTS

Donating appreciated securities—such as stocks—to WELS Foundation provides valuable tax advantages while benefiting gospel ministries.

IMPORTANT:  Before making a stock gift, please contact WELS Foundation, [email protected] or 800-752-8940 so we can ensure your gift is processed promptly.

You:
• Avoid paying capital gains tax.
• Enjoy a smooth transaction—WELS Foundation handles the sale.
• Notify WELS Foundation of your gift.

WELS Foundation:
• Sells the stock without incurring capital gains tax.
• Distributes the proceeds to the WELS ministry you designate.

🧾 QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION (Traditional IRA Distribution)

If you are age 70.5 or older, you can make a tax-free gift directly from your IRA to a WELS ministry.

IMPORTANT:  If directing a QCD to a WELS or affiliated ministry, please inform us at [email protected] or 800-752-8940 so we can process your gift appropriately.

You:
• Give up to $108,000 annually* to WELS ministries from your IRA.
• Avoid income tax on your distribution.
• Notify WELS Foundation of your gift.

WELS Foundation:
• Distributes your gift to the WELS ministries you choose (if directed through WELS Foundation).
• Provides a proper gift acknowledgment letter for your tax records.

Read more about IRA Charitable Distributions

*Amounts are subject to annual inflation adjustments. Always consult your tax or financial advisor to determine what giving strategy is best for your situation.

🧮 EXPLORE GIFT OPTIONS

Looking for the best way to give to the Lord’s work based on your personal goals and assets?  Consider your family’s and your own financial needs—how to maximize tax benefits, maintain income, and preserve assets for your heirs. Our convenient online tool walks you through the various options and recommends the best gift strategy for your situation.

👉 Click below to explore what’s right for you.

📘ESTATE PLANNING GUIDE

This free Christian estate planning workbook walks you through the process of creating a God-honoring plan for your assets.

📗 “DIFFERENT WAYS TO MAKE PLANNED GIFTS” BOOKLET

Want to support ministry in a smart and meaningful way? This comprehensive booklet includes:

  • Tax-wise giving strategies
  • Gift scenarios and illustrations
  • Links to informative videos

Your local WELS Christian giving counselor can help walk you through it.

📥 Download the booklet or request a free printed copy from Northwestern Publishing House.

Explore gift options

Use our convenient online tool to find the best gift for your situation and giving goals.

NEED ASSISTANCE?

Christian giving counselors are available to provide you with answers and knowledgeable advice.

The information contained on this website is not intended as legal advice. For legal and tax advice, WELS Foundation encourages you to consult an attorney or tax professional. The figures cited in the examples on this website are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income tax include federal taxes only. Individual state taxes and/or state law may impact your results.